The Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture has revealed which designers have been invited to show as guests on the official schedule: Guo Pei, Iris van Herpen as well as Yacine Aouadi will all take part in Couture Week this January.

The Parisian Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture assigns the Couture label according to strict criteria. Luxury brands including Dior, Chanel and Valentino traditionally present collections under the coveted “Haute Couture” appellation. In addition to the official members, the Chambre Syndicale also invites a select few designers as one-off guests on the schedule: last season, designers Ulyya Sergeenko and Ilja showed under this honorary title.

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Of the three new recruits for January 2016, Iris van Herpen is a Dutch designer. Known for her forward-thinking designs, she has won numerous awards for her collections, which combine craftsmanship and technology.

Image - Guo Pei instagram announcement

Chinese designer Guo Pei shot into the international limelight, thanks to the show-stopping outfit that music artist Rihanna wore for the MET Gala – a fur-trimmed gold cape with a long train, weighing a hefty 55 pounds in total. Pei took to Instagram to announce the news that she had been selected to be a part of the Couture schedule. The designer quoted Dr. Frank Cintamani, President of the Asian Couture Federation, who said: “This is a very significant step forward in the recognition and celebration of the tremendous amount of couture talent and creativity that exist within Asia!”

Meanwhile, Yacine Aouadi is a Parisian designer who previously worked under Christophe Decarnin as well as Olivier Rousteing at Balmain, before setting up his own label. His first collection fused the traditions of couture with a contemporary vision, bringing in neaon zips and tattoo motifs.